May 27, 2009

Summer is here!!!

Posted to Doug McCullough, Hamptons Lifestyle, In Season

BEACH BABY, BEACH BABY…

Memorial Day 2009. It’s official…SUMMER IS HERE!

So, did you make it to the beach this past weekend? What? Why not? The weather was great…no make that fabulous!

    You either:
  1. Believed it would rain all weekend.
  2. Didn’t want to be seen in last year’s bikini.


    3. OR

  3. Didn’t read about the Top 10 Beach list, by Dr. Beach, which John Valenti, wrote about in the May 22, 2009 edition of Newsday:

    “This will come as no surprise …the best beaches in America are on the East End’s South Shore…Main Beach in East Hampton…voted among the Top 10 Beaches in the United States by the self-annointed “Dr. Beach” - coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University….Main Beach remained at No. 6 for the second straight year…”

What are you waiting for? Check out East Hampton’s affordable seasonal rental properties, not to mention Main Beach. Or, if you’re playing for keeps, let’s me make an appointment to view Clamshell… or one of the other exceptional properties in East Hampton!!!!!!

Until then…see you at the beach. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

WDM

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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March 12, 2009

"Field of Dreams"

Posted to Doug McCullough, Hamptons Lifestyle

At the end of my street, on Dayton Lane, East Hampton, an 8 acre farm lot was spared from the clutches of further development. It will forever remain a rich open “Field of Dreams.” It’s a lovely meandering meadow, for the propagation of wild flowers, and so much more significant flora. I’m accustomed to now think of it as one huge landing strip for fine, feathered, fauna to feast upon. It also serves as the new hot spot for land lubbing four legged critters, contently mulling around day into night.

What makes this site so unique is that it blankets 8 acres in the Village of East Hampton; a rare and valuable commodity.

The Peconic Land Trust, a non-profit organization, along with a wonderful group of local conscientious residents, ensured the protection of this precious natural land. To them, I am grateful.

They work to protect thousands of acres of land now, and, in the future. With every successful open space preservation, they demonstrate their steadfast dedication to saving our community’s traditional ways of life and its rural character. They treat the land, and by natural extention, the residents; both part time and year round, with respect.

I urge you to explore and participate in one or several of the varied Hamptons’ events which the Peconic Land Trust hosts throughout the year. These events celebrate all the successes and help support future preservation work on Long Island.

While you’re out here visiting, let me help you further your exploration and understanding of what our residential communities have to offer. I can arrange for private appointments to view many wonderful rental and sales opportunities. At the top of the list of luxury homes to explore could possibly be one of my listings!

Until then…WDM

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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January 16, 2009

And So It Goes ..... "Summer Rental"

Posted to Doug McCullough, Hamptons Lifestyle

My first rental experience on the east end, once upon a time and many years ago, was in Amagansett, a converted garage served as my “Cottage with loads of charm”.

It actually took “loads” of imagination to conjure up the cottage this was supposed to be. The Internet hadn’t yet hit main stream, so newspapers and referrals were the only reliable sources for luring would-be renters. Naively, I believed I was about to discover the perfect summer cottage. The breezy equivalent to my shared closet-sized pied-a-terre studio apartment in the East Village. Off the beaten track to be sure, but at least I could say I lived in the Village!

All was eventually forgiven. I fell in love with the dark, dank, over sized, storage shed, uh, I mean cottage, considering the monthly rental wasn’t much more than my monthly car payment! It was, after all, only steps to the beach and all things considered, I knew I wouldn’t be spending more than a few hours a day, really at night, for just the necessary hours of refueling, if you will. Where better to refuel than a former garage? It would become my east end studio pied-a-terre without the roommate and seconds to the ocean instead of the subway.

Weekend mornings I couldn’t wait to get over to the Amagansett market for some fresh orange juice, freshly brewed coffee and whatever the daily bakery was serving up that day. I died and went to heaven. The stillness, the peace and quiet, the smell of grass and morning dew and every other trite description you can come up with, was what I looked forward to all those long Friday afternoon drives out.

Alas, since those wonderful simple times, the garage is now a true cottage with a monthly rental increased by several zeros and the Amagansett market has since been sold to a big city name. Though I now own in East Hampton, I still make my way over to the once renowned Amagansett market and am happy I can still find fresh orange juice. Only now the price of fresh orange juice has also increased by a few more zeros just like the cottage of yore!

There’s still plenty of freshly mowed grass to smell along the Dayton Lane:

2009 Summer Rental - Circa 19th c. beauty on adorable Village lane. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and historical room with fireplace, beamed ceilings, sun room, perfect taste with style.

You can still rent and find fresh orange juice. It will just cost a wee bit more than my first summer cottage. How things have changed…

Until next time…. ~ W. Doug McCullough

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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December 16, 2008

My East Hampton

Posted to Doug McCullough, Hamptons Lifestyle

As long as I can remember, East Hampton radiates with charm and quaint sophistication. Having to split my time between two homes (NYC and LI), I always look forward to coming to the warmth, comfort and elegance of East Hampton.

When at home in East Hampton and I step outside, I can gaze down Dayton Lane to my left and see the tranquil field that grows corn during the summertime. When I browse to my right, I can see the exquisite tree lined street and the beautifully adorned classic houses that add to the allure and provide a sense of security and calm.

During the mornings, I take my dog “Kilos,” an Italian hound (Cirneco dell’Etna), to the nearby beach. It is a pleasant stroll, and I politely greet my neighbors and friends as I walk by. While walking on the beach, I keep a watchful eye on Kilos as he is playing, running and bravely jumping into the waves as they break on the white sand. Unlike New York City, completely free-spirited and without a care in the world is what I can only imagine what Kilos is thinking when he is here.

By the time we are done and head back, I can still smell the salt water air. And as I approach my pebblestone driveway and white picket fence, Kilos and I know that we are back home.

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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November 19, 2008

Living It Up in the Hamptons

Posted to Hamptons Lifestyle

“The Hamptons” is internationally recognized as a name synonymous with luxury. One of the most popular seaside resorts in the world, the Hamptons is not only depicted in many major films and TV shows, but it is the real-life playground of the rich and famous. From the breathtaking estates that dot the coastline, to the world class spas and exclusive social events, the Hamptons exude casual sophistication and subtle glamour around every corner.

Just a 90 minute drive east of New York City, the Hamptons resort is most frequented by New Yorkers looking for a little R&R away from the lights and noise of the big city. For many, the Hamptons are the ideal summer retreat; the temps are cooler, the breezes cleaner, and the stars brighter. The landscape of Eastern Long Island offers tranquil natural beauty in its sandy beaches and bays, inland ponds, lush parks and trails that provide the perfect environment for a variety of outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing, swimming, bicycling, or simply strolling along the coast at sunset. Golfing in the Hamptons is a popular summer pastime, and there are many Hamptons golf courses to choose from, including the prestigious National Golf Links of America (known locally as “The National”), Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and the Maidstone Golf Club, all of which have been frequently ranked as some of the best courses in the world. In addition to sports and outdoor recreation, other summer activities in the Hamptons include art and film festivals, outdoor concerts, live theater productions, and shopping at various farmer’s and seafood markets. Whether your dream vacation equals a jam-packed season of activities or just a series of lazy days on the beach, the Hamptons resort is the perfect summer destination for you.


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November 19, 2008

Summer homes in the Hamptons

Posted to Hamptons Lifestyle

The fact that New York City is only a hop, skip, and a jump away is just one of the reasons why so many people choose to spend their summers in the Hamptons. The region, spanning the southern shore of Long Island, is rich with natural beauty, miles of sandy beaches and clean sea breezes. The Hamptons’ mild temperatures that hover in the 70’s beckon those who are feeling bogged down by the overwhelming heat of the city. Overall, the Hamptons is a true retreat for nature lovers.

With over a dozen unique towns, hamlets, and villages, there are a million things to do in the Hamptons. Many find that a week spent in a Hamptons bed & breakfast is just not enough time to enjoy all the wonderful scenery, recreation, and entertainment the region has to offer. Buying a summer home in the Hamptons is a great way to establish roots within the community, and fully enjoy all Hamptons attractions, such as art festivals, theater performances, sports activities, social events, and local shopping and dining.

From chic and trendy condominiums to grandiose estates, there is a Hamptons summer home for every taste and every lifestyle. For those seeking the ultimate Long Island experience, the Hamptons real estate market has an abundance of gorgeous ocean and bayfront properties, many with private beach access, stunning panoramic views, and state-of-the-art design features. Waterfront or inland, single family homes in the Hamptons include a wide array of Colonials, bungalows, cottages, ranches and more that range from historic and vintage to brand new construction. And when that perfect summer home cannot be found, there are hundreds of vacant lots and local builders available for custom homebuilding in the Hamptons.

Summer properties in the Hamptons also include many condominiums and townhouses that offer all the perks of a Hamptons lifestyle (i.e. beach access, bay views, swimming pools, etc.) without the hassle of maintaining a single family home. Hamptons condominiums are a great choice for summer homebuyers because they don’t have to worry about year-round utilities and grounds keeping, which leaves even more time for enjoying the beautiful summer season in the Hamptons.

Whether you are looking for a cozy 2-bedroom bungalow or an expansive waterfront estate with a guest cottage, the real estate market has just what you need to spend a luxurious and relaxing summer in the Hamptons—your home away from home.


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